Senior Shelby Joy is the Social Science Sterling Scholar, a title she earned after years of studying things like how the brain works and the history of theater. For her application, she combined different subjects like history and positive psychology to show how the social sciences matter in real life.
“People should care about social science because it is part of every interaction we have with the world around us,” Joy said. “Simply by existing you change the lives of the people around you and, ultimately, the history of our world.”
Building the project took a lot of work. Joy had to figure out which parts of her life and schoolwork were the most important to show the judges.
“I found it quite difficult to put together the portfolio,” Joy said. “I wasn’t sure what parts of my education or my life that I should highlight. I had to learn to trust my instincts.”
By finishing the project, Joy said she felt more confident. She realized the things she learned in class were tools she could actually use to help people.
“I have used the lessons I have learned to speak out for what I believe in, help others in the ways that I know how, and spread hope when fear is prevalent,” Joy said.
Joy also looks at history to learn how to be a better leader. By looking at what leaders did in the past, she figures out how to talk to people and support them today.
“By studying people, I have been able to learn how to communicate better and support others in the best way possible,” she said.
For other students who want to be Sterling Scholars, Joy suggests taking a lot of different classes. She also recommends summer programs like Girls State to see how the government works.
“Whether a raindrop or a person, there is no such thing as insignificant,” Joy said.
